There’s no doubt that technology has changed the way we work. Twenty years ago, the average employee simply didn’t work on computers. Files were kept, phone calls were made, appointments and lunch meetings ruled. To put it simply, you were glued to your desk – or at least your office building – if you wanted to be productive. It was only natural, back then, for employers to be stingy with holidays and vacation time.
But times are still-a-changin’. In 2013 (almost 2014!), it’s no longer impossible to work…from anywhere.
Technologies like cloud computing, video conferencing, and mobility mean you don’t have to be in the office to have an important meeting with that client, or to send out that memo to your employees.
Some businesses are catching on, significantly improving employee morale, loyalty, and overall energy levels by allowing them to take longer holiday breaks – without sacrificing productivity.
Let’s look at some specific technologies that can help employees stay productive, even with extra days out of the office to travel, visit family, or just recharge after the busy Christmas season:
- Cloud Computing with the Freedom Cloud
The newest technology Genesis offers it’s customers, cloud computing allows employees to access their work desktop on any computer, tablet, and even their smart phone. With cloud computing technology, employees can seamlessly access everything they need to be productive – files, programs/applications, email, anything. - Mobility from ShoreTel
With Mobility from ShoreTel, employees cell phones become their office phones. From their Android or iPhone, they simply open the ShoreTel Mobility app, and from there they are able to access all of their contacts, answer, place, and transfer calls, listen to voicemail, and more. Customers and clients will never know they aren’t in the office. - Videoconferencing with ClearSea from LifeSize
Videoconferencing is no longer something you do only with a conference-room unit. Now, you can experience HD quality videoconferencing on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Employees can set aside time to sit in on any meetings, meet with clients, and more.
So what does the future hold for this Christmas and future holidays? All signs point to a grand compromise between employers and employees called the Workcation, allowing employees to enjoy a longer break from Houston commutes, more time with family or while travelling, all while not missing a beat professionally.